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A comprehensive program of environmental management for the state was established in 1982 with the passage by the Alabama Legislature of the Alabama Environmental Management Act. The law created the Alabama Environmental Management Commission and established the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, which absorbed several commissions, agencies, programs and staffs that had been responsible for implementing environmental laws.

ADEM administers all major federal environmental laws, including the Clean Air, Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water acts and federal solid and hazardous waste laws. ADEM assumed these responsibilities only after demonstration that state laws and regulations are at least equivalent to federal standards and that the state has matching funds and personnel available to administer the programs.

ADEM Mission

Responsibly adopt and fairly enforce rules and regulations consistent with the statutory authority granted to the Alabama Environmental Management Commission (AEMC) and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) to protect and improve the quality of Alabama’s environment and the health of all its citizens. Monitor environmental conditions in Alabama and recommend changes in state law or revise regulations as needed to respond appropriately to changing environmental conditions.

The Environmental Commission

The seven-member Environmental Management Commission, whose members are appointed to six-year terms by the governor and subject to confirmation by the Alabama Senate, is charged with developing the state’s environmental policy, hearing administrative appeals of permits, administrative orders and variances issued by the Department, adopting environmental regulations and selecting an ADEM director.

Information received from: http://www.adem.state.al.us/